Atlético Madrid defender Miranda reveals Spain wanted him to play for them

Brazilian João Miranda has revealed that the Spanish Federation looked into him becoming available for the Spanish national team, like club team mate Diego Costa.

However, they were quickly halted in their tracks as the Atlético Madrid defender had already represented his country, Brazil, various times during 2009.

Miranda told ESPN Brazil the bizarre news about the current World Champions technical committee believing the defender could play for Spain.

The 29-year-old said: “It has happened. They arrived to question me, they wanted data from my past but I did not have the possibility (to play for Spain).”

It is a bizarre statement to make from the Brazilian but if true it raises question marks over figures at the Spanish FA.

It seems they tried to follow the example of Diego Costa in making the Brazilian convert to Spain for the upcoming World Cup but didn’t research enough to find out that Miranda had already appeared for Brazil numerous times.

The Atlético defender preferred not to spend too much time discussing the matter however and wishes to focus on the present.

Miranda has enjoyed a successful season so far and has been a mainstay in Atlético’s defence.

“I prefer not to think about it,” he added.

“It has nothing more to do with me at the moment and I want to continue with my work.”